Meaning
Everything and everyone has flaws
Cultural Background
In Indonesia, it is culturally mandatory to show 'rendah hati' (humility). Even if your speech was perfect, using this proverb protects you from being seen as arrogant. This proverb is part of 'Pantun' and 'Peribahasa' traditions that date back centuries, showing the deep connection between the people and the wildlife of the archipelago. Startups use this to humanize their brand. It bridges the gap between high-tech aspirations and traditional Indonesian values. Relates to the concept of 'Eling' (remembering one's place). Remembering that you are flawed keeps you grounded.
The 'Speech Closer'
If you ever have to speak in Indonesian, memorize this phrase. It's the ultimate 'get out of jail free' card for any linguistic mistakes you made during your talk.
Don't Overuse
If you use it for every single tiny thing, it can sound like you're making excuses for laziness. Use it for genuine, accidental flaws.
Meaning
Everything and everyone has flaws
The 'Speech Closer'
If you ever have to speak in Indonesian, memorize this phrase. It's the ultimate 'get out of jail free' card for any linguistic mistakes you made during your talk.
Don't Overuse
If you use it for every single tiny thing, it can sound like you're making excuses for laziness. Use it for genuine, accidental flaws.
Test Yourself
Complete the proverb.
Tak ada ______ yang tak retak.
'Gading' means ivory, which is the core metaphor of the phrase.
Which situation is most appropriate for this proverb?
You just finished a speech and want to be humble.
It is the standard formal way to acknowledge potential errors in a speech.
What is the figurative meaning of this phrase?
Apa arti kiasan dari 'Tak ada gading yang tak retak'?
The figurative meaning is that everyone (and everything) has flaws.
Fill in the dialogue.
A: 'Maaf, saya lupa mencuci piring.' B: 'Sudahlah, _________.'
This is a kind way to accept an apology for a small mistake.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesTak ada ______ yang tak retak.
'Gading' means ivory, which is the core metaphor of the phrase.
You just finished a speech and want to be humble.
It is the standard formal way to acknowledge potential errors in a speech.
Apa arti kiasan dari 'Tak ada gading yang tak retak'?
The figurative meaning is that everyone (and everything) has flaws.
A: 'Maaf, saya lupa mencuci piring.' B: 'Sudahlah, _________.'
This is a kind way to accept an apology for a small mistake.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsNot at all! While it's formal in origin, using it with friends can add a nice touch of humor or sincerity to an apology.
Yes, but it sounds less like a proverb and more like a regular sentence. 'Tak ada' is the traditional way.
No, 'retak' means 'cracked'. If the ivory were 'pecah' (broken), it would be useless. The proverb implies the object is still valuable despite the flaw.
It is very common in Malaysia and Singapore (in Malay) as well, with the exact same meaning.
Literally, yes, but it's usually for people or abstract things. Using it for a phone screen is a clever pun!
Related Phrases
Sepandai-pandai tupai melompat, sekali waktu jatuh juga
similarNo matter how good you are, you will eventually make a mistake.
Bumi mana yang tidak ditimpa hujan
synonymWhich part of the earth is not hit by rain?
Sempurna
contrastPerfect.
Manusiawi
builds onHuman/to be human.
